ANN DOWNING ANNOUNCES “23rd MIDDLE TENNESSEE WOMEN’S RETREAT”

Ann Downing is excited to announce the 23rd event that seeks to provide an atmosphere of encouragement and emotional safety for women of all ages, denominations, and cultures while learning more about themselves and the grace, hope and love of God.

Founders Paul and Ann Downing had a vision to provide a place where women from all walks of life could come one weekend each year for the purpose of reconnecting with themselves by taking time away from their “everydayness” and looking to Jesus for their true identities. Having lost everything of earthly value, except each other, Paul and Ann knew first-hand what the healing power of God could do in a relationship. They set their sights to what they believed was a calling of God … to establish a retreat for women. Just two months before the first retreat, Paul passed away. During the 56 day hospital stay, Ann had to decide the fate of the retreat. Knowing Paul would have it no other way, the retreat went on as planned. Amazingly, as only God can do, Ann was the one most
ministered to during that first retreat.

Her grief bore the emotional safety Paul desperately wanted the retreat to foster, and that safety contributes largely to the reputation for which Middle Tennessee Women’s Retreat is known today.The weekend opens with an evening full of surprise music guests. Saturday and Sunday offer theme related workshops. This year’s retreat will be held April 25-27th, 2014 (Friday evening-Sunday Noon) at the Briley Parkway Holiday Inn in Nashville. The hotel is located just minutes from Nashville International Airport, Opry Mills Mall, Opryland Hotel and the Grand Ole Opry.

Ann extends this invitation, “May I remind you that God, the Creator of the Universe, doesn’t make mistakes? He ordained your days! He created you with purpose! He gifted you with a unique personality and individual characteristics! Life has a way of burying the REAL us. I invite you to join me and a host of ladies for a weekend offering insight that can change your life. We’re looking for freedom as God intended… LIVING IN THE FREEDOM OF BEING REAL.”

Keynote speakers for 2014 are Kendra Smiley and Sue Duffield. Workshop speakers include Sharron Kay King, Kathy Blume, Vickie Edwards, Darlene Chapman, Barbara Davis, Sheri Thrower and Jeana Traynor with special worship times also led by Sheri Thrower.

Registrations are accepted through April 25th with an early registration special until March 1st. The registration fee covers all materials for the retreat plus a luncheon and dinner banquet on Saturday. For more information visit www.anndowning.com/mtwr or contact the Ann Downing Ministries office at 1-877-886-1629 to receive a brochure.